Cauliflower With Ham Gravy Recipe
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make dish straight from the heart of Swedish culinary traditions! This Cauliflower With Ham Gravy is a timeless classic, perfect for those warm summer evenings. It’s not just delicious, but also budget-friendly and light on the waistline when made without cheese. Let’s dive into this savory Scandinavian recipe!
Overview
- Name: Cauliflower With Ham Gravy 🥦🍖
- Cuisine: Swedish 🇸🇪
- Category: Ham
- Keywords: Pork, Cauliflower, Vegetable, Meat, Swedish, Scandinavian, European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Summer, Stove Top, Inexpensive
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes ⏱️
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes ⏱️
- Total Time: 20 minutes ⏱️
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 | Cauliflower |
1/2 | teaspoon salt |
1/2 | cup water |
3 | tablespoons flour |
500 ml | milk |
1 | tablespoon butter |
200g | smoked ham |
To taste | parsley |
To taste | salt and pepper |
Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
-
Prep the Cauliflower
- Rinse the cauliflower under cold water to clean it thoroughly.
-
Boil the Cauliflower
- In a pot, pour in the water (enough to cover about 2/3 of the cauliflower).
- Add the salt to the water for seasoning.
- Gently place the cauliflower into the pot.
- Cook the cauliflower in the boiling water for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until it’s tender but not mushy. You want it to retain a slight bite.
-
Prepare the Ham Gravy
- While the cauliflower is cooking, let’s make the delicious ham gravy!
- In a separate pot, whisk some of the flour into the milk. This will help thicken the gravy.
- Add the remaining flour and the butter to the pot with the milk.
- Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice the gravy thickening up nicely.
-
Add the Smoked Ham
- Dice the smoked ham into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop up some fresh parsley for added flavor.
- Add the ham and parsley to the thickened gravy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the ham is already salty, so adjust accordingly.
-
Assemble and Serve
- Once the cauliflower is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pot and place it on a serving dish.
- Pour the hot and flavorful ham gravy generously over the cauliflower.
- 🌟 Optional Step: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle some grated cheese over the cauliflower and gravy.
- If you’re adding cheese, pop the dish under a preheated broiler for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Enjoy Your Meal
- Serve this Cauliflower With Ham Gravy hot and fresh!
- It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with some crusty bread or a side salad if you like.
- Savor the flavors of this classic Swedish dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 262.3
- Fat: 13.3g
- Saturated Fat: 6.6g
- Cholesterol: 59mg
- Sodium: 1858.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 18.4g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Protein: 19g
Tips and Variations
- Cheesy Cauliflower: As mentioned, if you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some grated cheese on top before broiling. It adds a gooey, savory layer to the dish.
- Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different herbs in the gravy. Thyme, rosemary, or even a hint of nutmeg can elevate the flavors.
- Creamier Gravy: For a richer gravy, swap some of the milk for cream. This will make it velvety smooth.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the ham for a vegetarian version of this dish. You can add in some sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. Store individual portions in airtight containers for a quick and easy lunch or dinner during the week.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Cauliflower With Ham Gravy as a main dish with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious gravy.
- For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
- Add some boiled new potatoes on the side for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Why We Love This Recipe
This Cauliflower With Ham Gravy recipe holds a special place in our hearts for its comforting flavors and simplicity. It’s a taste of Swedish heritage, perfect for those who crave a wholesome, homestyle meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender cauliflower, smoky ham, and creamy gravy come together in every forkful, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Enjoy the taste of Scandinavia with this delicious and nutritious dish! 🇸🇪🍽️